Now, more than ever before, humanity is evolving with and becoming more intertwined with technology. Robots perform surgery. Cells and code are merging into an increasingly symbiotic relationship. Artificial intelligence is becoming a staple over our natural intelligence. With every step in our technological advancement, we potentially step further from our natural development. That is to say, with the power gained from technology, we relinquish power in our connection to nature, both outside and inside ourselves. So how do we approach this position we find ourselves in?
The answer is human connection
A return to, and remembrance of, the power of human connection is the answer. Mentorship based on person to person communication, not person to power bank, or mind to motherboard. AI can help us in myriad projects and achievements, but it cannot be allowed to replace the connectivity that makes us human. Human-based mentorship renews the practice and sharing of communication skills, emotional intelligence, and reintegrates our natural senses. Sometimes this shows up in the form of dialogue, thought prompts, and discussed perspectives. Sometimes it shows up as confronting a physical challenge. It can even be guided by introspection. Either in the body or the mind, we put ourselves into a moment that pushes our growth. This is different from typing words into a search engine to be given an answer.
The mountain within us
Helping people reconnect with themselves and others, and "climb their inner mountain," is at the core of what we do in Altitude Academy programs. The metaphor relates not just to the Sierra landscape we are based in. It helps us understand that the path of remaining in (or reconnecting to) the nature within us is inherently challenging, and growing evermore so in today's world. Yes, our Summit to Self and private mentorship programs are based virtually, from a video call setting. But what makes them important is the content. The conversations, the curriculum, and the mentoring itself become a foundation for these natural skills to be remembered, understood, and embodied. These are not just positive quotes with an image of someone cheering. These are the actual conversations that develop personal growth and strong habits that create leaders.
The most powerful computer of our time
Through different approaches to mentorship, Altitude Academy provides the space for us to recognize the capacity of the most powerful computer of our time: the mind. AI certainly isn't going anywhere anytime soon, but it is of paramount importance to understand where our own natural ability to achieve lies, and not give up that power because "AI makes things easier." The truth is, personal development doesn't come from an easy (or comfortable) place, and we must remember that when we see how "easy" AI and technology can make things for us.
Remembering our human power is our greatest ability. It is a reminder that we have the infinite potential within us to succeed at anything we see for ourselves. Authors and philosophers have written about it for years, but coaches are the ones who hold you accountable to tapping into and integrating these pieces of wisdom so that you actually achieve your own success. So I leave you with this: if something feels difficult, or you want to resist the effort it takes, that is likely a good indicator that you are moving in the right direction. This is when the connection with a mentor makes the largest difference. The mentor will keep you on the path, and continue pushing you to take just one more step.
The first step is always yours to make, but we'll be here to guide you for every subsequent step, wherever you may want it to lead.
— Al